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Modell family disappointed, yet 'extremely honored'

By Peter Schmuck

The Baltimore Sun

6:21 PM EST, February 2, 2013

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Former Ravens owner Art Modell did not make it to the final cut during Saturday’s voting for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. When the ballot was narrowed from 15 to 10 modern-day finalists (plus two senior nominees), Modell’s name was not on the list. That means he’ll have to wait at least another year to be considered for a place in Canton.

Art’s son, former Ravens president David Modell, spent the day with his family at the Ravens team hotel waiting for word. When the news came, he was understandably disappointed, but he spoke glowingly of all that has happened with the Hall of Fame process and the Ravens exciting Super Bowl run.

“We are obviously disappointed, but extremely grateful that Art Modell was considered among 17 high quality candidates,’’ he said. “It really is an incredible honor to be considered. We love Art and were disappointed for him, naturally, as people who love each other would be, but the Modell family is so excited that the Baltimore Ravens will be playing in the Super Bowl tomorrow with my father’s name on their chests. We’re extremely honored.”

It all seemed like such a distant possibility a month ago when the Ravens qualified for the playoffs, Ray Lewis announced his pending retirement and Modell was named among the 17 finalists for this year’s Hall of Fame induction class. David Modell imagined the possibility that all of it could come together this weekend, but knew that was almost too much to wish for.

Turns out that it was, but – as he said on Saturday – “it’s been a great ride.”